Obama-GOP Cliff Talks Take Positive Turn

Neither Side Gives Details, but Strict Moratorium on Public Comments Is Considered Sign of Progress at Bargaining Table

By

Damian Paletta and

Carol E. Lee

Updated Dec. 11, 2012 10:39 a.m. ET

WASHINGTON—Budget negotiations between the White House and Republican House Speaker John Boehner have progressed steadily in recent days, people close to the process said, breathing life into talks that appeared to have stalled.

Both sides still face sizable differences before any agreement might be reached by the end of the year, and talks could well falter again over such controversial issues as taxes and Medicare before any...